Courtroom etiquette

Bring the needed items

• one copy of your court documents
• a copy of your Affidavit of Service (if you filed one)
• a pen and paper to take notes

Wear proper clothing

• dress like you’re going to a job interview
• don’t wear a hat

Arrive early

• arrive half an hour early to your court appearance
• give yourself extra time, especially if you need to file documents with a court clerk
• check in with the court clerk before court begins

Go through security

• enter the courthouse through its airport-like security station, which is manned by sheriffs

Note: Sheriffs can assist you if you’re concerned about your safety.

Find your courtroom

• check that your name is on the electronic display or the paper outside the courtroom
• speak to a court clerk if you aren’t sure which courtroom you’re in

Follow basic courtroom process

• when your matter is called, go to the front of the courtroom and sit at one of the tables
• the other party or their lawyer will sit on the other side of the courtroom
• when you talk to the judge, stand at the podium in the middle of the room
• if you don’t understand what the judge has ordered, ask them to explain

Show respect in the courtroom

• in the Court of Justice, call the justice “Your Honour”
• in the Court of King’s Bench or Court of Appeal:
  • call the justice "Justice" (or “Chief Justice” or “Associate Chief Justice” as the case may be)
  • call the applications judge “Judge” or “Your Honour”
• don’t argue with the judge
• don’t talk during a session
• be respectful to the other party and others in the courtroom
• turn off all electronic devices
• don’t bring children
• don’t eat or chew gum
• enter or leave quietly during a session

Note: A sheriff will remove anyone from the courtroom who’s aggressive toward or threatens others. A session may still be recorded after the judge leaves the courtroom.